Steòrnabhagh

Steòrnabhagh is the largest settlement on the Isle of Lewis and the administrative capital of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. It is located on the east coast of Lewis, at the head of Stornoway Harbour, a large natural bay. The town is the main commercial, cultural, and transport hub for the Outer Hebrides. Its name is derived from Old Norse, meaning "Sveinn's bay."

Historically, Steòrnabhagh grew around its harbour, which was a natural and strategic location for fishing and trade. The town's development was significantly influenced by the Lewis family and later by the Matheson family, who invested in its infrastructure and industries, including wool manufacturing. During the Second World War, the harbour served as a base for the Royal Navy.

Today, Steòrnabhagh is a bustling centre with a population of around 6,000 people. Key services and institutions located here include Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the local authority), Stornoway Airport with connections to mainland Scotland, and the CalMac ferry terminal providing a vital link to Ullapool. The town boasts a range of amenities including shops, schools, a hospital, and cultural attractions such as An Lanntair, an arts centre. The economy is supported by public administration, tourism, fishing, and renewable energy. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities, and the town itself retains a strong sense of its Gaelic heritage.